FOWLR Wish List

[jacuglietto]

Good Morning All,

First time posting on this site, and I was hoping for some feedback on my fish stocking wish-list. I am currently cycling a 120 Gallon FOWLR tank, and am using the Cycle period to research potential livestock.

Once the Tank has completed its cycling phase (Using store bought shrimp method) I would like to add some smaller community fish in order to gently break in the biological filter. I was hoping to add:

(Not all at once of course)
Royal Gramma
Sailfin Blenny
Maroon Clownfish (Tank Raised)

Then a few months down the road:

Dwarf Angel (Bicolor most likely)
Auriga Buttterfly

Ultimately I would also like to include:

Clown or Bristletooth Tang - If water quality remains pristine
Regal or Blue Angel


Any insight into potential compatibility issues would be helpful. Also, I am not sure as to the order in which to introduce the livestock, because I have never kept a butterfly, or maroon clownfish before, and I am not sure how territorial these animals can be. Thanks in advance for the help.

[Mark_Lide]

I don't know your level but I found this to be very helpful

Marine Compatability Chart

it dosen't go into great detail but gives you a general idea

[jacuglietto]

Mark,

Thank you for your reply, I appreciate the direction. I suppose my real question would be if this list sends up any immediate red flags, and if not, what would be the ideal stocking order. I have checked the compatibility chart, however I believe some of the individual fish to be on the tempermantal side of thier respective families, so I just wanted to try and catch some second (third, fourth) opinions.

James

[Mark_Lide]

Sorry thats were it gets over my head. I'm new to this game.

[jacuglietto]

Mark,

No need for apologies, I really appreciate your willingness to help. Ive only been involved in the hobby for a few years now, and it seems like everything is "over my head". Thats where these forums come in handy. Thanks again and best of luck.

James

[leebca]

WELCOME TO REEFLAND!

The Royal Gramma, Gramma lareto has always been one of my favorite fishes. However, they do best in cooler water. If you have a chiller or will be able to keep your system below 77F this fish will do fairly well.

The display tank would be okay for a small Tang, but not when it grows up.

The display tank you have is not suitable for any adult large Angelfish. If you want, you can keep a juvenile of those fishes, but you will need to find them a new home in a couple of years.

Are you following this guideline for your tank start up? Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

It is always a very good sign of intelligence ( ) to ask about such things before you go forward. Planning is a great idea. Good luck!

[jacuglietto]

Lee,

Thank you for your input. I felt like the angel was definitely going to be a stretch for my 120 gal. I have been using the setting up a FOWLR thread as a guide, and it has been a major help. If you wouldn't mind making a suggestion, when would you introduce a Butterfly into a system with a maroon clown, dwarf angel and smaller tang? I have been getting mixed messages from other sites as to the temperament of Auriga (Threadfin) Buterflys.

[leebca]

I currently have the auriga Butterfly in my 180. I've always liked those fishes. When you have one, like mine, with their 'thread fin' extended an inch behind their body, you appreciate how they got their name.

Most of these Butterflyfishes are assertive. They can hold their own in a 'busy' competitive environment of community fishes. You can also find an exception to this, since their personality will play a role.

To answer your question, it is the same answer to most questions in this hobby, "It depends." Because of this, maybe you are getting mixed answers.

If the Maroon is mature (older), then this Butterfly should be the fish after the Bicolor. Since you have identified the Tang here (first post) along with the chosen Dwarf Angel, then the order of introduction would likely be preferred as:

Bicolor
Auriga
Bristletooth Tang
Maroon Anemonefish

If you change your choice of Dwarf Angel, that will impact the order. In general the Dwarf Angel temperament would put it at the end or lower in this list, but a small Bicolor is a fairly shy and lay back fish. If you get a large one, it would be best a bit lower in the list. Again, there are personality variations to all the fishes. If the Maroon is very young and immature, it could be added earlier.

Considering this particular list (above) the order isn't really that important if all fishes are young (small).

Once the Maroon matures it will assume the tank or a large portion of the tank, belongs to it.

Now, if you decide on the Clown Tang (very unsuitable for that sized aquarium) instead, it would be the last one to add.

[Ninong]

Yes, a clown tang would be "very unsuitable" for a 120-gal tank. Not only that, they're extremely aggressive as adults, especially in a tank that small.

P.S. -- I would add a pair of Maroon clownfish instead of just one. If you can't find a mated pair available, add two juveniles (preferably with one a little larger than the other) at the same time.